Admission requirements
MSc International Relations and Diplomacy students.
Description
This course maps out the on-going debate about the effects of globalisation on the governance-capacity and role of the state. It tracks the evolution of the European state from the Treaty of Westphalia, evaluates the role and scope of International Organisations, and examines the impact of globalisation. It is clear that the role of the state is changing rapidly. Few European states harbour illusions that they can manage and solve the serious challenges they are facing on their own. In order to cope with a globalising world, states increasingly pool their capabilities and sovereignty to achieve shared goals. Still, within Europe, criticism of globalisation is mounting. The UK’s decision to leave the EU (Brexit) even puts the future of European integration as a means of dealing with globalization into question. Beyond Europe, few states share the EU’s commitment to develop a postmodern, cosmopolitan global order. Global Powers like the US, China and India all have a different understanding of how to cope with globalization and the best way to organize global governance. So what lies ahead? Can globalization be “managed”, and if so: how? Is it possible to modernize established international organizations (like NATO, the UN, IMF and many others) to make them (more) effective in a globalized economic, political and security environment, or are new and more innovative cooperative structures possible and even necessary?
This course explores the main academic and policy debates on globalization, the role of the state and the future of global governance. It evaluates the main challenges, problems and developments in the context of the dynamic transformations of key International Organisations as well as the newest initiatives, including the rise of transnational governance.
Course objectives
The purpose of the course is to raise, exchange and evaluate questions regarding the changing role of the state, International Organisations and the future of global governance by looking at specific concepts and cases. The main objective of the seminar meetings is for all students to form their own judgement and to encourage critical thinking.
Timetable
See the link at the front page of this programme
Mode of instruction
The course comprises introductory lectures and class presentations prepared by students (often in small groups); some of these presentations will be on the basis of case-studies. Class attendance is required.
Course Load
5 EC
Assessment method
Presentation 30%
Class participation 10%
Paper outline 10%
Final paper 50%
Students are required to prepare the readings and actively participate in each seminar. In each class students will give a 15-20 minutes presentation on the assigned topic for that session, which will be followed by a group discussion.
Blackboard
To be announced.
Reading list
No books need to be purchased; readings will be announced.
Registration
Use both uSis and Blackboard to register for every course.
Register for every course and workgroup via uSis. Some courses and workgroups have a limited number of participants, so register on time (before the course starts). In uSis you can access your personal schedule and view your results. Registration in uSis is possible from four weeks before the start of the course.
Also register for every course in Blackboard. Important information about the course is posted here.
Contact
Remarks
This course is an elective designed for first year MIRD students.